Leeds United star Tom Pearce recently visited local children who have Down syndrome at a Sunshine and Smiles session.

The Leeds United Foundation invited the young defender along to one of the sessions they run as part of their relationship with Sunshine and Smiles, the Leeds based Down syndrome network.

The England Under-21 international had the opportunity to meet some of the children involved in the project along with their families and get involved in some of the fun activities being lead by one of the coaches at the club’s official charity.

Speaking to LUTV after the visit Pearce said: “I’ve really enjoyed being here today and I was just happy to be asked down to get involved. The games we played were really good fun and it was great to see how competitive some of the kids were, although I think there might have been a bit of cheating going on.

“Leeds is a family-orientated club and as players we really enjoy coming down to be a part of it and helping to put smiles on people’s faces.”

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that results in some level of learning disability and a characteristic range of physical features. A learning disability significantly affects a child’s ability to learn compared with other children of their age but it does not mean a child cannot learn at all.

Sunshine and Smiles aims to improve the lives and opportunities for children and young people with Down syndrome. They offer speech and language therapy, regular groups and activities, individual support and advocacy for families, as well as raising awareness and challenging preconceptions in the wider community.

The Leeds United Foundation is just one of the charities that support the work done by Sunshine and Smiles through helping to fund the cost of their once a month football sessions that take place at Football World as well as delivering free two-hour holiday camps in all school holidays.

The football camps delivered by the charity aim to create a multi-tier learning environment for the participants what will not just improve their overall physical abilities but also help develop their social and emotional abilities.

Please contact Anthony.Hall@leedsunited.com for more information on the sessions delivered or click here to see all of the activities available through Sunshine and Smiles.